I know I’m sounding a bit pessimistic, but let’s be honest…it’s an American tradition to make and break New Year’s resolutions. Sure, some people keep them, but the vast majority will have long forgotten their goals by February 1st. Most of these failures fall into one of three categories:

They didn’t really want it.

They set an unattainable goal.

Their plan didn’t match their goals.

If you are from group one, please quit reading now. You’re wasting your time and mine. If, however, you are in group two or three, then keep reading.

There are a few points I will address over the course of this article that should help you to achieve the goals you set for yourself in the coming year.

Set A Goal

Obviously you will need a goal. But for those without much of a brain I decided to talk about it anyway. First off, you must make sure your goal is attainable if you want to have even a chance of achieving it. It will take more than a year to go from Shamu to Sergio. Still, you should set the bar high, and set mini-goals along the way. This will help you stay motivated, and keep you from falling off the wagon when things get tough. An example would be if you want to add 80 lbs to your bench this year. Set a goal of 10 lbs more on the bar every month. Also, make sure you are specific about what you want. Losing weight is not a goal, it is an idea.

Staying Motivated

One of the biggest obstacles is staying motivated. This is where little incentives become even more necessary, like making a bet with a friend. Also, put little reminders around you at home, at work, in the car, everywhere you go. This may just be a piece of paper with your goal written down on it. You may find it helpful to put a picture or a quote that inspires you somewhere that you will constantly see it.

One problem some people have is that their normal friends may not be conducive to their goals. If you want to lose 30 lbs then it may not be smart to hang out with guys who get drunk every night. Surround yourself with people who will be conducive to your goals. It may be helpful to join a forum dedicated to your goals like the one here.

Make A Plan

You need to get a plan together, otherwise it would be like going somewhere new without directions. You don’t have to get complicated. The best plans are simple (remember the golden rule K.I.S.S.- keep it simple stupid). Also, if you are new to the game then don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is where it will also be helpful to join a forum that has people more experienced than yourself. One thing I have learned is that working out is not something you can read about. You must experience it to truly grasp an idea. Also make sure your plan fits your goal. It is pointless to train for a marathon if your goal is to gain muscle.

I hope you are now more comfortable with making a real New Year’s resolution. And if you have any questions feel free to email me.

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Mike Gossett is a classic physique enthusiast, and writes to help guide others onto the path of health and lifting. He believes in basic hard work for the best results, and lives what he preaches. Mike can be reached at: grim83@gmail.com